Here's a bold prediction: the most overlooked piece of the Kevin Muscat-Rangers puzzle could be the secret weapon that makes or breaks their success. And this is the part most people miss... While all eyes are on whether Muscat will bring his trusted assistants or honor a long-standing agreement with Neil McCann, there's a behind-the-scenes figure who might just be the linchpin of this entire operation.
As Rangers officially appoint Kevin Muscat as their new manager, replacing Russell Martin, the focus naturally shifts to his potential backroom staff. Record Sport exclusively revealed the deal, though Muscat may not take the dugout until mid-November. Neil McCann, a former Rangers teammate and coach, is expected to step in temporarily before becoming Muscat's assistant—a move that's been widely discussed. But what about Muscat's Shanghai-based assistants, Ross Aloisi and Vince Lerardo? Their move to Glasgow remains uncertain.
But here's where it gets controversial... Enter Les Gelis, a name you might not have heard, but one that could be pivotal. On Hotline LIVE, Keith Jackson highlighted Gelis, the current Head of High Performance at Shanghai Port, as a likely candidate to join Muscat in Glasgow. Why? Because of his decades-long relationship with Muscat and his critical role in shaping the fitness and performance of Muscat's teams.
Gelis isn't just another face in the crowd. With a background in sports medicine and physiotherapy, he’s become a cornerstone of Muscat’s high-intensity, high-tempo football philosophy. Think of the style Ange Postecoglou brought to Celtic—that’s the kind of relentless energy Gelis helps cultivate. His job is to ensure players are not just fit, but peaking at the right moments, a detail Muscat considers non-negotiable for his tactical vision.
Jackson speculates that while Aloisi and Lerardo might not make the move, Gelis is almost certain to. His expertise and history with Muscat make him an invaluable asset, potentially bridging the gap between Muscat’s vision and the on-field execution. Here’s the kicker: Could Gelis be the unsung hero Rangers needs to thrive under Muscat’s leadership?
Controversial question for you: Do you think Rangers should prioritize bringing in Muscat’s long-term collaborators like Gelis, or focus on building a more localized coaching team? Let us know in the comments!
